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| The second Rousay stoat seen shortly before it was trapped and killed? |
EARLIER this month, the RSPB and other conservation organisations were jubilant when they trapped what they thought was the only stoat on the Orkney island of Rousay.
But their glee was misplaced - another stoat has subsequently been detected.
This one, too, has been trapped and killed, but conservationists are concerned - very concerned.
They now fear that the island may already be hosting additional stoats - or is at risk of doing so in the future.
The Orkney Native Wildlife Project, of which the RSPB is a partner, has put out this statement:
"It is fortunate that we have removed a second stoat which posed a serious threat to the island’s native species including Curlews, Red-throated Divers, Hen Harriers and Short-eared Owls, plus the Orkney vole, a unique subspecies found nowhere else in the world.
"Now we need to continue apace with the biosecurity monitoring that is needed to ensure that Rousay is completely stoat-free.
"We must remain vigilant before we can confirm that wildlife in Rousay is safe.
"Our trappers and local community volunteers will be keeping the island under intense observation, so that.if any other stoats are seen, we can respond to remove them as quickly and effectively as possible..
The statement continues: "It is not currently clear how either of these stoats arrived on the island.
"They may have swum across the Eynhallow Sound from the Orkney mainland to Rousay.
"The three kilometres is well within the distance of open water stoats have been known to cross.
"It is also possible that somebody chose to break the law, and endanger Rousay's native wildlife and economy by deliberately releasing one or more stoats."
Conservationists hope that DNA testing may help to confirm the stoat's origins.
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| Rufous-tailed Robin as not seen at Flamborough because this bird was photographed in Thailand |
DETERMINED birders are expected to continue wending their way to the Yorkshire Coast this weekend - but perhaps more in hope than expectation.
Their destination will be a well-wooded mini-ravine at South Landing in Flamborough where they will be all eagerness to catch sight (and perhaps photograph) of a super-rare (and even more super-elusive) Rufous-tailed Robin.
The bird, which is unrelated to our larger native Robin, has evidently been blown to Britain from its Russia-to-China autumn migration route.
Up to 1000 enthusiasts - some from overseas - have already made the trip to Flamborough, and maybe less than half that number have actually glimpsed the tiny charmer.
Some have waited hours, even a whole day or longer, only to experience the awful hollowness of missing out - the dreaded 'dip'.
Not only has 'Rufus' proved extremely secretive, mostly feeding out of sight in undergrowth, but the viewing options have been challenging, with one visiting Lincolnshire birder likening the experience to being a spectator on a Football League club terrace of yesteryear.
When the bird has shown, invariably on an exposed mossy log, it has sometimes been out of the sight of those birders located either at the wrong end of the 'terrace’ or at the back of it.
Where snaps have been achieved, they have mostly have been of indifferent quality, one notable exception being the one clicked by former Nottingham quantity surveyor David Carr, now a frontline birder who spends much of his time travelling the country to photograph rare birds.
David was magnanimous enough to post his shot on X with the accompanying comment: "The Rufous-tailed Robin finally gave itself up this afternoon at Flamborough.
"It took me three days to see it but it was worth the effort...."
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| Gotcha! Patience paid off for David when he snapped the well-camouflaged Yorkshire bird |
There have only been four previous records of this species - and one of them was a dead bird picked up on the island of North Ronaldsay in the Orkneys on October 2, 2010.
The others, according to Birding Information Services, were:
* October 23, 2004: Fair Isle, Shetland
* October 14, 2011: Warham Green, Norfolk
* October 6, 2019: Fetlar, Shetlands
Rewind to that 2004 bird which was first spotted by Fair Isle observatory director Mike Wood who then alerted warden Deryk Shaw who subsequently recounted the experience in comprehensive, graphic and enthralling detail in the May 2006 edition of British Birds magazine.
Before the identification was confirmed - the bird first having been netted and ringed - it was first variously theorised by Mike, Deryk and a handful of other birders that it could have been a juvenile Robin, a Veery or a Hermit Thrush.
But when the reality emerged . . . cheers of elation"
Wrote Deryk: "The next few moments will live with all of us forever - a feeling of relief, then stunned shock as the realisation sank in that it really, truly was a Rufous-tailed Robin."
What of this week's Flamborough bird? Today it was showing relatively frequently - more so than on the previous two days.
But a storm has blown in. Will it still be with us for the weekend?
Time will tell. . .
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| How, two decades ago, British Birds journal reported Britain's first record of the species |
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| It was not long before crowds of twitchers arrived |
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| All eyes were on this log - favourite perching point of the vagrant |
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| Grey-head Wagtail - scarce sub-species of Yellow Wagtail |
TWO signed bird paintings by John Cyril Harrison (1898-1985) are due go under the hammer as a single Lot at a sale to be conducted on November 14 by auction house Tennants at their saleroom on Leyburn, North Yorkshire.
One (21.5cm x 13) depicts a Grey-headed Wagtail; the other (21.5cm x 14.5cm) shows two Northern Lapwings
Both are described as being "pencil and water heightened by white".
A prolific artist, Harrison was born in Wiltshire but painted most of his studies during the many years he was living in Norfolk.
The pre-sale estimate is that the hammer will fall at between £200 and £300 on the Lot which is number 1025.
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| Lapwings in familiar wetland habitat |
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| Let the gas flow - the Jackdaw rig (photo:Adura) |
THE chief executive of the RSPB, Beccy Speight, has spoken out against this week's announcement that the Government has approved further extraction of gas from the Jackdaw rig in the North Sea.
Says she: "Drilling in Jackdaw will have no meaningful impact on the UK’s energy security or household bills, whereas expanding fossil fuel extraction of any kind will risk deepening the pressures facing species and habitats across the UK from the growing impacts of climate change.
"Our changing climate is already shifting the spaces birds can live in.
"Many are finding their food supply is no longer available at the right time to feed their chicks.
"Extreme weather, exacerbated by climate change, is also impacting breeding success and survival.
"In a worst-case scenario of high carbon emission levels, some seabird species in the UK, which are particularly vulnerable, are estimated to decline by more than 70per cent by 2050."
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| Beccy Speight - furious with the decision |
Ms Speight goes on to urge the Government not to approve drilling at the much larger Rosebank oil and gas field which is also in the North Sea.
"The Government must not make the same mistake again," she says. "It should not be approving either Jackdaw or Rosebank.
"Instead, its focus must be on rapidly cutting emissions, scaling up clean renewable energy and restoring our peatlands and other carbon-rich habitats that are essential for both climate and nature's recovery."
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| Isabelline Wheatear - scarce autumn visitor to Britain |
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| The Spotted Sandpipers are thought to be the birds third and fourth from left |
GIVEN that the species is seldom seen in Britain, it is curious that Spotted Sandpiper is among the wading species included (Lot 30) in a specialist taxidermy sale to be held at 10.30 am on November 11
At what location and on what date were they detected before they met their demise - presumably by gun or trap?
The catalogue note states:
A late-Victorian cased display of Sandpipers, circa 1880-1900, by C.H. Gowland, Naturalist, "Tadorna,", Barnston, Wirral, a high-quality display of eight various full-mount adult Sandpipers.
Species to include Purple, Spotted, Common, Wood, and Curlew-, all mounted upon soil and grass covered groundwork, set against a watercolour painted backdrop, enclosed within a typical period pine framed three-glass display case, 82cm by 19.5cm by 33cm, data labels visible within the groundwork.
Taxidermist's full paper trade label to verso.
According to Tennants auction house of Leyburn, North Yorkshire, the hammer is expected to fall at between £180 and £280.
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| 'Charismatic' - a male Ring Ouzel |
THE RSPB is recruiting for what it describes as a 'fantastic opportunity' to lead research on Britain's Ring Ouzels.
The salary for the fixed term position is in the range £40,381 - £43,113, with applications closing on Thursday of this week, October 22.
Says the job description: "We are seeking a conservation scientist to head up research on the Ring Ouzel, a charismatic but declining species of upland and montane areas.
The project aims to:
* Understanding habitat use on breeding, migration and wintering areas
* Assess threats faced and migratory connectivity between breeding populations.
* Deployment the use of satellite tags on breeding birds.
"Once this has been done, there will be a requirement to interpret the data and produce a report outlining options for a recovery strategy
"The role location is flexible within the UK although the postholder must be able to undertake regular visits to northern England during the field season, plus occasional travel to attend events with some overnight stays.
"The role will be home based with access to an RSPB office."
But the post is not for beginners. Essential skills, knowledge and experience are listed as follows:
• Scientific research experience (completed a PhD or managed equivalent project/s)
• Collaborative working - ability to build effective, respectful collaborations with colleagues, partners and funders.
• Digital and analytical skills - ability to use Microsoft Office, GIS/remote sensing tools (e.g. QGIS or ArcGIS) and R or equivalent statistical software to manage, analyse and present data.
• Advanced statistical analysis - experience working with complex datasets, ideally including movement or tracking data.
• Project and time management - ability to plan, organise and deliver work independently, balancing multiple priorities.
• Lead the publication of research in peer-reviewed journals
• Communication and presentation - ability to present research clearly to internal and external audiences.
• Fieldwork skills - experience working safely and effectively in challenging terrain, ideally upland environments, including nest finding (preferably songbirds) and monitoring nest, chick and adult survival.
• Bird handling - experience handling birds; ideally holding a BTO or equivalent ringing permit, with preference for experience with Ring Ouzel adults and nestlings, mist-netting, and deploying tracking devices.
• Upland ecology knowledge - understanding of UK upland habitats, species, land-use systems and interventions that support nature recovery.
• Supervision - experience supervising or supporting field staff.
• Driving licence - a full UK driving licence (or equivalent that permits driving in the UK).
The post runs from January 2027 to March 2029, dependent on confirmation of external funding.
For further information about the role contact david.douglas@rspb.org.uk
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| Along with other migratory thrush species such as Fieldfares, Ring Ouzels are regularly to be seen in horse paddocks in spring |
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| This book by Vic Farebrother and Ken Hutchinson is a useful introduction to the species which incidentally is the favourite of frontline birder David Lindo (the 'Urban Birder') |
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| What prospect of seeing a Nutcracker in Britain this autumn? |
With the Nutcracker must ever be associated recollections of Alpine scenery for it is in the Alps where the bird is often seen by the British tourist.
There it dwells in the forests of pine which clothe the sides of the mountains as high as those trees can grow.
Wherever the Pinus cemhra grows, the Nutcracker will certainly be encountered just as we see the Jay in the oak woods of Kent, and the Magpie in the valley of the Trent.
At times, it may be approached sufficiently near to admit a close observation of its sprightly and singular actions - actions which always remind me of those of the Great Tit, with a little of those of the Jay.
At one moment, it may be seen climbing head downwards, and hammering away at a cone to obtain the seed within; at another, with its breast and tail well up, and its head thrown back.
If disturbed by the traveller, it merely flies a few yards further off or crosses the roaring torrent to the opposite side of the hill.
Alpine Switzerland, however, is not the only place the bird inhabits.
It is found much further south and a long way toward the north.
It not only visits the dark, gloomy forests of Germany, Scandinavia, and Russia, but also breeds there.
It will be understood then, that if the kind of country I have described be essential to its existence and well-being, the British Islands can offer it but little temptation.
Still in its journeyings to and fro, like a mariner who has unshipped his compass and lost his way, individuals do occasionally get driven out of their course and come among us.
And that such accidental visits are not infrequent is certain, for I shall be within the mark when I say that there are at least 50 recorded instances of examples having been shot within the precincts of our islands.
Sir John Crewe tells me that, some years ago, two were killed in Oakley Park, in Suffolk, the seat of Sir Edward Kerrison, in whose possession they now are.
Macgillivray states that a specimen in the Museum of the University of Edinburgh was said to have been shot at Peterhead.
Two or three more have been shot in Devonshire, and others have been obtained in Northumberland, Somerset and elsewhere.
From the earliest date at which ornithology became a study, this bird has been an object of interest.
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| Nutcracker seen from a far on the edge of a Bavarian forest |
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| Chris' famous last photograph of a bird alas now extinct |
IT is back to home turf on Monday for a former Grimsby man who took the last known photograph of a bird that has subsequently become extinct.
Chris Gomersall grew up in Grimsby and neighbouring Cleethorpes, then went on to enjoy an adventurous career in wildlife photography - first as a staff man at RSPB, then as an award-winning freelance.
In spring, this year he was on board the ill-fated Dutch cruise ship, MV Hondius, which made global headlines for the unhappiest of reasons.
A total of 11 of the 27 on board contracted Andean Hantavirus while voyaging in the Antarctic. Three subsequently died and one became seriously ill.
Chris escaped being infected, but the expedition had been interrupted in the most tragic of circumstances.
What is more, in common with fellow-passengers and crew, once back on dry land, he had to undergo hospital quarantine for three weeks before being allowed back to his home in Bedfordshire.
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| Chris - award-winning photographer grew up in North East Lincolnshire |
Because of the continuing sensitivities, particularly for those who lost loved ones, Chris is unlikely to say much about what happened on the MV Hondius in the illustrated talk he will be giving at Holy Trinity parish hall on Grimsby Road, Cleethorpes (DN35 7LH), on Monday October 19.
Instead, he will describe other aspects of his career - most notably his mesmerising encounter in Morocco with the now-extinct Slender-billed Curlew.
That was back in February, 1995, since when the decline of this wading species has culminated, in November two years ago, in its being officially declared extinct.
Much-travelled Chris will also describe many other highlights of his career in what what promises to be a captivating presentation.
The event will be an historic first joint-meeting of Grimsby RSPB group and the Lincolnshire Bird Club.
However, it is also open to non-members of either group with an admission charge of just £5 including a tea/coffee and biscuits during the interval.
The meeting starts at 7.30pm.
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A common lament among birders in the northwest of England is that the region seldom attracts as many vagrant passerines as the East Coast. But it is still a great place for birding on the evidence of this recently-published book by authors Stephen Dunstan, Ian McKerchar and Jane Turner. The contents provide a comprehensive review of top birding sites with detailed maps and advice on when to visit and potential target species. The book is published by Bloomsbury at £27.99 in paperback. |
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With colder days ahead, Cornwall-based fashion brand Seasalt hopes fashion-conscious female birders might take a shine to its recently launched £210 duffle coat which has mostly received favourable reviews, though with the occasional cavil about stiffness in fastening the buttons. The same company also offers within its range a £160 raincoat (below). https://www.seasaltcornwall.com/ |
Boscaswell Waterproof 3-in-1 Duffle Coat - Seasalt Cornwall
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| Front cover of the new book which is priced at £20 in paperback |
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| Megan Shersby |
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| Dan Rouse |
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| Rebecca Gibson |
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| Heather Devey |
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| Focus on RSPB South Stack in Wales . . . |
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| and the Lossiemouth Estuary in Scotland . . . |
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| Not forgetting England . . . and Liverpool |
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| It's natural to want to be comfortable - the duo took along portable chairs to watch Red Kites feeding |
IF it be possible, the second episode of the second series of Sam and Ade Go Birding was even sleepier than the first.
Despite the producers' efforts, the programme seldom came anywhere near to capturing the exhilaration of birding.
But it was still enchanting . . . and even a little bit hypnotic.
On this occasion, experienced birder Samuel West and novice Adrian Edmondson were in West Wales where a Kite-feeding centre and an Osprey-accommodating RSPB reserve were among their destinations
The visits enabled Sam to supply a commentary on how both species are now widespread, having formerly been on the verge of British extinction such was the extent of persecution by egg-collectors, shooters and others.
But there was no sense of adventure in their trips - the raptors were certain to be in situ, so the duo might just as well as have been visiting zoos.
And, in these environment-conscious, times what could possibly have justified the use of a gas-guzzling Land Rover as the preferred mode of travel?
Oddly (but refreshingly) it was neither the Ospreys nor the Red Kites that seemed to captivate Ade - it was first an "amazing" Yellowhammer, then a Sedge Warbler clinging to a reed as it poured out its jubilant song.
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| Sam - gentle soul |
Of the two, Sam has the softer spirit. Despite being a professional actor, he is unshowy - obviously a kind and modest chap who seems to have led a relatively privileged and sheltered life. In short, a "very polite young man", notwithstanding his description of young birds as "babies" is somewhat irritating.
By contrast, Ade is edgier, with a sharper humour, probably partly born of a harder journey through life than his colleague. His frivolity, tipping into flippancy, has definitely provided welcome moments of 'bite' to the dialogue.
Evidently, Ade's relationship with his late father, who wanted him to become a doctor or a lawyer rather than an entertainer, was not without his bumps, but he indicated that becoming a father to daughters had changed him - almost certainly for the better.
As the two series have progressed, in his gently teasing way, he has become more inclined to tread, ever so slightly, on his friend's sensitivities
For instance, when Sam reveals that, with his brother, he is co-organising a memorial service for his late actress-mother Prunella Scales (for whom he continues to grieve), Ade notes somewhat unkindly: "You're not doing it for her - you're doing it for you."
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| Ade - wry humour |
Will his ornithological expeditions with Sam, spark Ade into becoming a birder in his own right? On the evidence so far, possibly not. There is the feeling that, once the series is complete, he will tuck his binoculars into a drawer from which they may possibly never be removed.
Having said that, credit to him for his respectful description of a generally unsung bird - a female pheasant.
"She looks as if she's clothed in chiffon," he commented of the creature's finely marked plumage. "As if she's off to a 1920s ball."
The third and final episode of the series is at 7pm tomorrow (Thursday October 15) on Channel 5.
It sees the pair at another RSPB reserve - this time, the one at Bempton on the cliffy Yorkshire coast, to watch Gannets and other nesting seabirds.
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| The magnificent scenery of West Wales enhanced the show |
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| Bird of mystery - Nightjar in flight |
THE past couple of decades seem to have been kind to bird species that inhabit Britain's heathland and young forest, both those in the uplands and in the lowlands.
A paper by in the Autumn 2026 edition of BTO News reports that of the territories monitored, there were substantial increases between 2004 and 2025 for Nightjar, Dartford Warbler and Woodlark.
The 2025 breakdown for the areas covered is:
* Nightjar territories: 5,184 (up 20 per cent on 2004)
* Dartford Warbler: 3,260 territories (up 27 per cent)
* Woodlark: 2,364 territories (up 35 per cent)
These are species that benefit from invertebrate-rich habitat consisting of thinly vegetated ground with an abundance of bare soil or short turf, scattered hawthorn and other scrub.
But, as the report points out these are often "early-successional" and "inherently short-lived" habitats that require grazing, cutting or forestry operations to prevent scrub and/or heather taking over.
So long as this human activity prevails, there are reasons to be cheerful, all the more so given that climate change - specifically drier summers - would seem to work to these species' advantage, possibly helping them to extend their breeding range.
On the downside, fires such as those this summer at Dunwich in Suffolk, plus long periods of heavy rain during the breeding season, are the opposite ofbeneficial.
The survey also looked at nine other species, including Stonechat and Hobby, that are regularly to be found on heathland, but no breeding data has yet been published for these.
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| Dartford Warblers as depicted in Gould's The Birds of Great Britain (1873) |
There should be plenty of interest from birders in a new film that is due to open British cinemas on November 13. Set in France's Vosges forests, it is a captivating study of members of three generations as they explore the sights and sounds of wildlife. Among scarce or little-seen birds featured are Black Woodpecker, Capercaillie and Crested Tit. The running time is 95 minutes, and trailers of the film can be found on YouTube and elsewhere online.
A private broadleaved woodland that looks promising for breeding Pied Flycatchers, Redstarts and Wood Warblers has come on the market with an asking price of £70,000. Bosworth Wood, which stretches across 5.6 acres, lies off the A523 road and is next to a lake at Rudyard, near Leek, on the edge of the Peak District. More details from woods4sale at 01248 364362
Bosworth Wood, Rudyard, Leek Staffordshire - Woodland For Sale.
